Speaking of Laundry

This is the color of most of Trav's shirts. You'd think we live in Texas or sumpthin'.... The boys are currently helping out with the laundry. They are each responsible for folding their clothes and hanging up their shirts....then, putting them up. Hubby washes all the clothes at the laundry mat and then drys them at the house unless the septic tanks are not full and he can do a load or two each day. Remember though: septic tanks are not our friends. Not when you have the size of family we do living in a house created for two with occasional guests. If you live here - you are all too aware of the amount of rain we've been getting lately.

I have had a couple of questions about hubby and the boys in regards to the laundry. I realize that some may not agree or understand our ways of doing things. That's okay. Here's the scoop:

Hubby does (read: washes) the laundry because quite frankly - he is better at it. Just ask him about lipstick and all the clothes I ruined early on in our marriage. When one does something better than the other - it is okay for that person to do it. In this case, it does not make hubby less of a man. If you think it does - GET OVER IT! His momma taught him how to do laundry because he was the oldest of 5 children. Thank God for his momma on that one! He is better at it than her too now.

Why the boys then? We're not raising our sons to depend upon other people to have to take care of them. This is a part of growing up in our household. The lessons they are learning are not just about laundry. This is one of the ways that as parents to have those teachable moments. Sure... hubby could do all the laundry and have it put up in our closets before I would think to put a load in the dryer.... That is not necessary. What is necessary and vital is to teach our children about responsibililties. How it is important to take care of the things in which we are blessed with...... This will help them to be better children and stronger men. Not weaker....

As parents.. as Christians... God calls us to train our children. While this does include household chores at our house...... It is truly referring to learning about Him and serving others. The two can work hand in hand together if you just give it a try. We have some of the most in-depth conversations while going through the sea of orange shirts and shorts. And yes... the boys are learning how to cook, clean the kitchen, and take out the trash.

I know there's the argument that I am the mom and therefore, I should do all the housework. If that's how it works or worked at your house - clearly your family's decision. Each family does have to decide for themselves what will or will not work.

How do you decide? What is your guide?